A large oil painting on the wall caught Zhao Xiangwan’s eye, drawing her in.

The golden rice fields, low huts, and purple wild pea flowers at the field’s edge looked incredibly lifelike. Farmers worked in the fields, their movements captured in meticulous detail. The painting brimmed with vitality and raw energy, resembling an enlarged photograph. The hoed earth, the fine awns on rice ears, and dragonflies resting on weeds were so realistic they seemed tangible.

Though Zhao Xiangwan had no artistic background, she had grown up in the countryside. The painting transported her home, filling her with warmth.

Xu Songling asked a waiter, “Does your hotel hold art exhibitions too?”

The well-trained waiter responded warmly, “This is hosted by Mr. Ji, the hotel owner. Tonight is a private banquet. Mr. Ji’s son, Ji Zhao, has been painting since childhood and held solo exhibitions at sixteen. He’s a genius.”

Zhou Qiaoxiu nodded. “Oh, Ji Zhao—the hyperrealist^[1]is someone who does an art style that creates paintings resembling high-resolution photos. painter the newspapers praise. I didn’t realize he was Mr. Ji’s son.”

Hearing this, Xu Songling blurted, “Oh, that autistic painter.”

Zhou Qiaoxiu shot him a warning glare.

Xu Songling gave an embarrassed smile.

This was the Ji family’s domain. Ji Jinmao, the Four Seasons Hotel owner, had only one son. It was unwise to mention his condition so bluntly. Ji Zhao, an autistic genius, had a perfect memory, able to recreate scenes with photographic precision. When the Public Security Bureau read about him, someone even joked that he’d make an excellent forensic sketch artist.

Zhao Xiangwan smirked at the thought. As if the richest man’s son would work for the police.

The music in the banquet hall faded, spotlights flashed, and a wave of applause filled the air.

Xu Songling and the other two stopped simultaneously, looking at the young man surrounded by the crowd near the banquet hall.

He wore a white shirt and khaki pants. His fair skin was like fine porcelain—delicate, soft, and smooth. His slender fingers, slightly raised, traced an elegant arc at the wrist, a beauty that made hearts flutter.

Just his silhouette drew everyone’s attention.

“Ji Jinmao has a remarkable son. He’s already a renowned painter in the country.”

“Not just talented, but also incredibly handsome.”

“I heard the Academy of Fine Arts invited him to be a lecturer, but he refused.”

“Tsk! The Ji family is wealthy. Why would he need to teach for money?”

The guests at the art exhibition’s thank-you banquet were all influential—politicians, business elites, media reporters, and literary figures. Everyone present was prestigious in Star City.

They collectively ignored Ji Zhao’s autism and focused on his achievements.

Ji Jinmao, dressed in a black brocade Tang suit with dark patterns, stood plump and smiling, resembling a Maitreya Buddha ^[2]which is a symbol of prosperity and happiness.. Hearing the praises for his son, his joy was evident, like honey on his lips.

After Ji Jinmao’s opening remarks, the audience applauded.

Ji Zhao, who had been silent with his head down, finally looked up, revealing a breathtakingly handsome face.

His slightly long face, messy black hair with bangs covering his eyebrows, thick eyelashes, and ink-black, clear eyes exuded an air of cool arrogance. His full lips curved gracefully, adding to his striking presence.

The entire hall fell silent, stunned by his beauty. Beneath their admiration was a shared regret—how could someone so brilliant have autism?

Even Zhou Qiaoxiu, standing by the door, couldn’t help but sigh, “What a beautiful child…”

Zhao Xiangwan’s gaze lingered on Ji Zhao for a moment. Though too far to read his thoughts, his drooped eyes and tightly pressed lips suggested unhappiness. Attention, crowds, praise—these weren’t what he truly desired, were they?

Not wanting to watch any longer, Zhao Xiangwan softly said, “Teacher Zhou, Officer Xu, let’s go.”

Walking along the red-carpeted corridor with golden patterns, their steps were silent and smooth.

Zhu Feipeng’s dinner was held in the Baorui Hall of the Four Seasons Hotel. The private room was lavishly decorated, featuring thick red carpets, carved oak furniture, a small dance floor, and a white grand piano in the corner, giving the space a Western touch.

Zhu Feipeng and his colleagues were mixing cocktails, surrounded by colorful foreign wines and juices. They were enjoying themselves when the captain arrived. Immediately, they put down their drinks and saluted respectfully.

Xu Songling raised his hand slightly. “It’s the weekend. Relax and enjoy.”

Zhu Feipeng, always eager to show off, grinned and invited Captain Xu and Teacher Zhou to sit. He handed Zhao Xiangwan a glass of orange-red liquid with a lemon slice floating on top. “Try my cocktail.”

[Let’s see if Zhao Xiangwan can handle this. Whisky Toddy—whiskey with sugar and lemon. Strong aftertaste, hehe.]

Zhao Xiangwan declined. “I’ll have a Coke. I get drunk easily, let alone with whiskey.”

Xu Songling snatched the glass from Zhu Feipeng. “She’s still a student. No alcohol. You’re trying to trick her!”

Everyone laughed.

“Junior Sister isn’t that easy to fool. Your tricks won’t work.”

“Right! She even solved Wang Qiankun’s cold case. You think she’d fall for this?”

“Thanks to her, our Serious Crime Unit gained Director Peng’s respect. And here you are, trying to fool her instead of treating her properly.”

Zhu Feipeng, embarrassed, fetched a large bottle of Coke, poured a glass, and handed it over. “Here, have some Coke.”

He also gave one to Zhou Qiaoxiu. “Teacher Zhou, you too.”

He Mingyu teased, “Xiangwan, drink as much as you want. Officer Zhu is paying today.”

Zhao Xiangwan took a sip. The fizzy drink was different from the farm tea she was used to—refreshing and novel.

Once everyone arrived, the dishes were served. One by one, they entered the Baorui Hall, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.

Zhu Feipeng explained, “I wasn’t sure what you liked, Zhao Xiangwan, or if you could handle spicy food. So, I ordered ten random dishes and a soup—Mao’s braised pork, chopped pepper fish head, blood duck, steamed cured meat, Wensi tofu ^[3]a delicate shredded tofu soup., lion’s head ^[4]a type of meatball dish., crispy barbecued pork, roasted pigeon…”

The Four Seasons Hotel had expert chefs in Hunan, Cantonese, Sichuan, Shandong, and Huaiyang cuisine, as well as a Michelin-starred Western chef. Guests with any taste preference would be satisfied.

A waiter placed a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ^[5]a luxurious Chinese soup with various premium ingredients. near Zhao Xiangwan. He Mingyu winked. “This is their signature dish—only 300 bowls made daily. Senior Brother Zhu reserved nine portions. Try it.”

Zhao Xiangwan lifted the lid, took a sip, and savored the fragrant, rich taste. A thousand flavors blended perfectly, bringing instant joy.

Under Captain Xu’s command, the feast began.

The criminal police, always physically active and working hard, rarely dined at high-end places. They rolled up their sleeves, determined to make the most of the opportunity, making the scene lively.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed.

The Baorui Hall doors were pushed open.

A woman in her thirties or forties entered. She was beautiful, dressed in a business suit with a bun, a short skirt, and high heels, exuding a sharp and professional aura. But now, her face was full of anxiety as she strode forward.

“Xiaopeng, thank goodness you’re here. You have to help me this time!”.

When he saw the woman burst in, Zhu Feipeng sprang to his feet and quickly greeted her. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

Zhu Feipeng’s mother, Lu Manning, a hotel manager, finally felt relieved upon seeing her son. She said anxiously, “Ji Zhao is missing. President Ji has ordered all hotel exits sealed. You have to help me find him.”

Ji Zhao is missing?

Xu Songling exchanged glances with Zhou Qiaoxiu, then approached Lu Manning and asked calmly, “Don’t panic. Tell me what happened.”